Home Selling Guide

Your house is more than just a home, it’s an investment. When it’s time to sell, we want to make sure you get the most out of your investment. From setting the correct list price to signing closing documents and everything in between, this guide is here to help steer you towards successfully selling your home.

The Process

Prep Home for Listing

Your home’s overall condition includes everything from its curb appeal to the foundation it’s built on. That’s a pretty broad spectrum, and it’s not always easy to know what you should prioritize when preparing your home for listing.

Based on their experience, your agent can help you figure out which projects are likely to attract the most potential buyers. Freshening up the property with a fresh coat of paint, new carpet, and small repairs like broken doors or windows is always a good idea. And since most buyers aren’t seeking a fixer-upper, it might be time to address major repairs like a sagging roof or faulty plumbing.

List Home for Sale

Now it’s time to get your home on the market. First things first: What’s your asking price? The truth is most sellers won’t be able to assess their home’s value with a truly objective eye. That can lead to an initial listing price that’s too high, which can be devastating for your home’s chances of selling.

Equipped with a deep understanding of local market trends, your Watson agent will be the impartial eye you need. Using a comparative market analysis to track the selling price of similar homes in your neighborhood, your agent will help you determine the true value of your property. Once a range has been determined, you’ll decide on a list price that fits your needs.

Once you’ve settled on a price, your agent will work with you to develop a customized marketing strategy for your home. This can include professional photographs of the property, print materials, property tours, social media promotion, and, of course, the classic “For Sale” sign in the front yard.

Host Showings & Receive Offers

In the coming weeks a lot of people will be in and out of your house. That’s a good thing! Showings and property tours are a vital part of selling your home. Be sure to keep your home ready for tours as often as possible by de-cluttering and cleaning regularly. Remember: You never know when the right person might request a showing, so it’s best to always be prepared.

As offers start to come in, your Watson agent will be an invaluable partner providing feedback on every offer and helping you decide which ones are worth entertaining. Negotiations are, with rare exception, the most complex part of the selling process. But with your Watson agent’s expertise on your side, you can feel confident you’ll get the best price possible for your home.

Closing the Sale

After finalizing the sale with a worthy buyer, you’ll be ready to move into the closing phase. During this stage, a number of contingencies must be met before the deal can be closed. These typically include an independent inspection and appraisal of the property, attaining title insurance, any contractual promises you’ve made to the buyer, and a final walkthrough. Your Watson agent will review the final sales agreement with you to ensure everyone meets their obligations and the transaction can continue smoothly.

Once the deal is closed, your former house will have a new occupant. Congratulations! You’re ready to move on to the next phase of your life. If that involves buying a new home, let your Watson agent help you find your next dream house. Moving out of state? The Watson Relocation Services team is well-versed in the unique aspects of relocation and is ready to assist you in landing on your feet in a new city.

Additional Information

You might be surprised to learn that selling your home can actually be kind of expensive. Saving up to buy a home seems natural, but if you don’t apply the same strategy when it’s time to sell your home, you’ll end up scrambling to cover the many costs of selling. Here are just a few of the costs associated with selling your house that you should prepare for:

Hiring a decorator to help declutter, reorganize, or even refurnish your house can go a long way towards making your home more attractive once it hits the market. It can be costly, with some stagers charging upwards of $1000, but the price could be worth it in the end.

If you decide not to work with a professional, there are still a few things you can do to better stage your house for potential buyers. Small things like decluttering your space and purchasing new couch cushions or area rugs can liven up your home and catch buyers’ eyes when touring your property.

Planning to relocate after selling your house? Let the experts at Watson Relocation Services guide you on your new adventure. Whether you’re moving to a new city, a new state, or even to a new country, we’ll help you figure out all the important details – your timeline, goals, and priorities – beforehand so you don’t have to.